Final answer:
Copper oxide (CuO) is primarily considered a basic oxide due to its metallic character, but it can also have amphoteric properties. Copper(II) hydroxide demonstrates this amphoteric nature, as it can dissolve in both acids and bases, forming different compounds.
Step-by-step explanation:
The chemical properties of copper oxide (CuO) can be determined based on the position of copper in the periodic table. CuO is formed when copper (Cu) reacts with oxygen (O2), resulting in a powdery black solid. According to the periodic table, oxides of metallic elements, like copper, tend to be basic. Therefore, the chemical properties of copper oxide are most likely basic. However, some oxides of metals, especially those of d-block elements like copper, can display amphoteric characteristics, meaning they can react both as acids and bases.
Copper(II) hydroxide, written as Cu(OH)2, is amphoteric. To illustrate this, Cu(OH)2 can dissolve in an acid, such as hydrochloric acid (HCl), to form copper(II) chloride (CuCl2) and water (H2O). It can also dissolve in a base like sodium hydroxide (NaOH), to form a complex ion such as the tetrahydroxocopper(II) ion ([Cu(OH)4]2-).
In conclusion, while copper(II) oxide primarily displays basic behavior, it's important to acknowledge that it may also have amphoteric properties, demonstrating that the nature of oxides can vary depending on their specific chemistry and the conditions in which they are being used.